Classical Musicians of African Descent

WXXI Classical 91.5 is in the process of building a resource of photos and brief biographical information about musicians of African descent. This resource is by no means complete, and we rely on you to help us build the site by sharing your information. Please click on the alphabetical groupings below to begin your discovery.

Derek Menchan, cello

Classical 91.5 WXXO-FM | By Malinda Wagstaff

Published January 29, 2020 at 9:36 AM EST

Derek Menchan, a professor of music and the humanities at Polk State College in Lakeland, Florida, is a multi-instrumentalist, record label owner, and producer and composer who just released his debut album, “The Griot Swings the Classics,” this past November. He is also the progenitor of the successful Voices of the People Chamber Music Series, which serves to highlight internationally prominent artists of color. Mr. Menchan’s “Griot” album immediately climbed high in digital R&B charts, reaching number 2 in “Hot New Releases,” on Amazon.